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Table Lamp

Table Lamp

The finishing layer of a well-lit room

A table lamp does two things a ceiling light never can: it drops the light to eye level, and it softens the whole room. That's why every room that feels warm has at least one.

Why a table lamp changes the room

Good lighting happens in three layers: ambient (ceiling), task (desks, readers, kitchen), and accent (the lamps). Table lamps are the layer that turns a house into a home. They drop the light to seating height, throw warmth onto walls, and fill the corners that overhead lighting can't reach.

Our range covers everything from classic fabric-shade bedside lamps and traditional ceramic-base lamps to modern crystal pieces, Tiffany-style stained glass and architectural task lamps. The right choice depends on three things: where the lamp will sit, what it's sitting next to, and what it needs to do — mood, task, or both.

Sizing a table lamp to its spot

For bedside tables, aim for a lamp height where the bottom of the shade sits at roughly eye level when you're propped up on the pillow — usually 50–65cm total lamp height. Too tall and the bulb glares straight into your eyes when you're lying down; too short and you get a pool of light only on the bedside table itself.

For console tables in a hallway or behind a sofa, the lamp should be tall enough to be the visual anchor — usually 60–80cm total. For a side table next to a sofa, match the top of the shade to the top of the sofa back when seated; this puts the light where you actually need it for reading.

Style families and where they fit

Classic fabric-shade lamps — ceramic, brass, glass or wooden base with a drum, empire or bell shade. The most versatile choice, works in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways alike. Pair the base finish with the rest of the room's metal tones.

Modern and architectural lamps — sculptural bases, integrated LED sources, often without a traditional shade. Design-led rooms, open-plan living, contemporary studies. A smaller modern lamp can double as a desk light.

Crystal and glass base lamps — heavy, polished, reflective. Formal living rooms, period interiors, dressing tables. Often paired with a pleated or empire fabric shade.

Tiffany-style lamps — stained glass shade on a metal base, warm amber-toned light. A statement piece with decorative presence. See the full Tiffany table lamp range.

Task and desk lamps — adjustable arm, directional head, bright cool-white output. Studies, home offices, hobby rooms. Usually 3000–4000K for sharper task light.

Bulbs, dimming and smart control

Most table lamps take E27 or E14 caps, occasionally G9 for smaller shades. LED is the right default almost everywhere — cooler running, 10x the lifespan, and available in the same warm 2700K colour that incandescents used to produce. Check the product page for the maximum wattage and whether the lamp is dimmable.

Many modern table lamps include an inline cord dimmer or a touch-sensitive base — handy for reading lamps and bedside lamps where you want a quick brightness control without wiring a dimmer switch. Smart bulbs in E14 and E27 are widely available if you want per-lamp app control.

For whole-home smart lighting, see our smart table lamp range where the lamp itself is connected and controllable from an app, Alexa or Google Home.

Lamp base sold with or without shade?

Most table lamps in this range are sold complete with a matched shade. A few design-led pieces are sold as base-only, letting you pick a shade separately from our shade range to match the room. The product page makes this clear — if in doubt, the picture and the title will confirm.

Frequently asked questions

How tall should a bedside lamp be?

Aim for 50–65cm total height — the bottom of the shade should sit roughly at eye level when you're propped up on the pillow. Any taller and the bulb glares when you're lying down; any shorter and the light pools on the table rather than on the book you're reading.

What bulb does a table lamp take?

Most take E27 (standard screw) or E14 (small screw), with some smaller or more modern lamps using G9 capsule bulbs. Check the product page for exact cap type and maximum wattage. LED filament bulbs in warm white (2700K) are the best default for almost every table lamp.

Can I use a smart bulb in a table lamp?

Yes, provided the cap matches (E27 or E14 in most cases) and the shade has enough internal clearance — smart bulbs are slightly larger than standard LEDs. For a fully smart lamp where the lamp itself is connected rather than just the bulb, see our smart table lamp range.

Is the shade included with the lamp?

In most cases, yes — the product page will show the complete lamp with shade in the main image, and the title will say "with shade". A small number of design-led bases are sold separately so you can pick a shade from our shade range. If in doubt, check the description or contact us before ordering.

Can table lamps be dimmable?

Many are, and most that aren't can be made dimmable with a dimmable LED bulb and an inline cord dimmer. Look for "dimmable" on the product page, or for lamps with a touch-sensitive base or integrated dimmer.

What's the difference between a table lamp and a desk lamp?

A table lamp is primarily ambient or accent lighting — a finishing piece that softens a room. A desk lamp is task lighting, usually with an adjustable arm and a directional head, designed to throw bright focused light onto a work surface. Many adjustable table lamps can double as desk lamps for casual use.

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